Manny Franco will accompany Godolphin's Sovereignty (Into Mischief) in Saturday's $1-million GI Curlin Florida Derby at Gulfstream Park.
The New York-based jockey will fill in for regular rider Junior Alvarado, who sustained a shoulder injury in a racing mishap Sunday. Alvarado has been aboard the bay for all four starts, including a last-to-first victory in the Mar. 1 GII Fountain of Youth.
Franco is currently atop the jockey standings at the current Aqueduct meet.
“I can rarely get him. He's never been easy to get to ride, but I think he won a couple of Grade Is for us on Channel Maker,” said Mott, who gave Franco a leg up for back-to-back victories in the 2020 GI Sword Dancer at Saratoga and GI Joe Hirsch Turf Classic at Belmont. “He's done well with the ones he's ridden for us.”
Franco won the 2020 GI Florida Derby and GIII Holy Bull Stakes aboard Tiz the Law.
Franco is currently sixth this year in North America in money won and third in wins behind Irad Ortiz, Jr. and Jose Ortiz. Franco was tied for 10th in victories last year with 210.
Not a subscriber? Click here to sign up for the daily PDF or alerts.
